“Oh.”
The fear that had crawled up my spine disappeared when we approached the driveway and I saw my uncle’s truck was missing. I wasn’t in the mood to have him be rude to chase Roman off. And I had no doubt, that’s exactly what would happen.
My gaze searched the neighborhood, searching for any nosy neighbors who might report back to my aunt and uncle that I’d had a boy over.
The coast seemed clear.
“Come in so I can put ice on that,” I said.
He only hesitated for a second. “Thanks.”
Inside I tried not to cringe as he stooped to avoid smacking his head on the low ceiling. “My aunt and uncle are short like me.”
“I’m fine.”
“You can set my bag there. Thank you for carrying it.”
“No problem.”
Each answer came out shorter and more clipped than the last and I worried I was keeping him from doing something more important.
“Here.” I reached into the freezer and grabbed an ice pack, then wrapped it in a kitchen towel.
I froze when I turned and found his green eyes focused on me, waiting as if he expected me to treat his injury.
Carefully, I lifted his sleeve and rested the pack against the bruised area. He hissed in a pained breath but otherwise gave no indication it hurt.
He was so warm and solid against me. Smelled so good. I closed my eyes, soaking in the moment.
“Are you okay, Juliet?” His raspy voice broke the spell.
The concern in his voice caught me off guard. “Tired.” I forced a smile. “I got whacked in the head with a volleyball in gym.”
That same fierce protectiveness I’d witnessed earlier resurfaced. “Who did it?”
“It was my fault, I wasn’t paying attention.” I dropped my gaze to his shoulder. “I got distracted by someone peeking in the door.”
He chuckled softly. “Busted.”
His warm hand covered my chilled one. “I think I’m all better. Thank you.”
Too bad I wasn’t ready to let him go.
Chapter Six
Roman
The first time I tried to kiss Juliet, I made her cry.
I slipped the ice pack out of her hand and tossed it on the kitchen counter. No one in my life had ever shown me as much concern as this girl I barely even knew. Kindness in response to my pain felt so foreign.
Maybe I didn’t have any experience with love, but something big I’d never felt before settled in my chest.
Her hands were chilly and I took them in mine, pulling her closer.
“Thank you.”
She stared up at me with those big eyes; I still hadn’t decided if they were teal or turquoise. Whatever the color, it was now my favorite shade of blue.
“You’re welcome.”
I might not have had years of experience to draw from, but I knew the moment demanded something.
My hands cupped her cheeks, angling her head so I could lean down and finally taste her lips.
The briefest warm, shivery sensation brushed against my lips before she jerked away.
“Roman,” she whispered.
Obviously, I’d read the situation completely wrong.
“Shit. I’m sorry.”
Tears shone in her eyes and dread crawled through my chest. Everything in me wanted to protect her, not upset her.
“It’s not you. I’m sorry.” The anguish in her voice killed me.
I rubbed my thumb over her cheek. “No, I’m sorry. I’m—”
Outside, a car door slammed and her eyes widened with fear. “You have to go. I’m not supposed to have boys in the house.”
“Shit. Yeah. Okay.”
I scooped up my bag and she pushed me onto the back porch, locking the door behind us. She shoved me onto a bench and threw herself into the chair across from me. Before one “what the fuck” left my mouth, someone clomped up the porch steps.
“Juliet? What you doin’ out here, girl?” a gruff voice asked.
I turned and took in the short, stocky man who must be Juliet’s uncle.
I may not have been the smartest kid in any class, but I’d met enough people to develop a bit of intuition about them. And Juliet’s uncle gave me the fuckin’ creeps.
“Who’s your friend?” he asked with the least welcoming smile possible.
I stood and held out my hand, hoping manners might erase whatever notions he was forming about me.
“Roman Hawkins, sir.”
“Roman’s new in school,” Juliet said, scrambling to stand beside me. “We share a few classes.”
The older man grunted and shook my hand. “Jared Samson.” He gave Juliet a pointed look. “Your aunt will be home soon, Jules. You need to help her with dinner. Say goodbye to your guest.”
I wanted to punch him in the throat for the disrespectful way he spoke to his niece, but I didn’t think it would help the situation.
“Yes, sir. I was just leaving. Good to meet you,” I said, trying to force something that sounded polite into my voice. I wasn’t about to do anything that might keep me away from Juliet.
Under her uncle’s watchful eye, I faced Juliet. “See you tomorrow.”